WAGS Work: Haleigh Borchardt

Sep 14

The WAGS Work Series aims to show our readers that we are more than the stereotypes you might be familiar with--we're creative, hard-working, driven, and willing to do whatever it takes to make this lifestyle work. We also hope to inspire women in all walks of life to get creative and think outside the box when it comes to working and creating the lives of their dreams. Please reach out to the women featured in this series if you have questions or want to learn more about what they do.

TELL US WHO YOU ARE, HOW YOU GOT INTO THE BASEBALL WORLD, AND A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOU AND YOUR HUSBAND.

My name is Haleigh and I have been married to Troy Johnston for a little over a year. We have known each other since we were in diapers and have been together since we were 16 years old! I have been watching Troy play for the past eight years and this was my first year traveling with him. Troy was drafted in 2019 by the Miami Marlins.

WHAT INSPIRED YOU/HOW DID YOU GET STARTED?

Over the years, I have gone back and forth with what I was passionate about and wanted to do with my life but one thing I knew I loved was fashion and any industry that was creative. One career I thought about doing was Fashion Merchandising but it was so hard to balance jobs like that with our lifestyle that would allow me to either travel or be able to come visit frequently during the season. So I figured, why not do the whole business myself and try to be my own boss?

My main inspiration was watching my husband live his dream. He has been my biggest supporter and pushed me to get started. I fully believe that in this lifestyle you need to do something for yourself and keep moving forward while still being there for your significant other during their career.

TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR BUSINESS, WHAT DO YOU DO, AND HOW LONG YOU’VE BEEN WERKIN’ IT.

I opened an online women's boutique in August called Styled & Social. On our website, you can find women's clothing and we have a section called Locals Only where we have handcrafted products from other small businesses.

WAS YOUR SUCCESS IMMEDIATE OR DID IT TAKE TIME?

Styled & Social launched August 1st and while we have had a great launch - we still have a lot of building to do! So I would say that this will take time.

WHAT OBSTACLES HAVE YOU FACED AND HOW DID YOU PERSEVERE IN THE HARD TIMES?

The biggest obstacle I would say is baseball and logistically figuring out how to run a clothing store from the road. I just have to keep in mind that I am doing what I love and it will all be worth it.

HOW DO YOU BALANCE WORK AND LIVING THE BASEBALL LIFE?

Luckily, while my shop is still small I am able to pack all orders and get them to the post office before the games. My husband also takes all of our store product photos on Mondays since those are off days! Plus, during those long slow games, I shop online for new products to pass the time.

HOW DID STARTING YOUR OWN BUSINESS IMPACT YOUR LIFE PERSONALLY, AND FOR THE TWO OF YOU?

Becoming a business owner has really empowered me and pushed me to realize that I can do hard things! For the two of us, it has given us another thing to bond over since we get to work on it together.

WHAT’S A TYPICAL WORKDAY LIKE FOR YOU IN THE SEASON? IN THE OFF-SEASON?

Every day is different during the season but usually I wake up, have coffee & breakfast, drop my husband off at the field, pack & drop off orders at the post office, go to the gym, get ready for the game and while at the game I usually will do social media work and buy for the store. We haven't been open during the offseason yet, so we shall see.

WHAT’S BEEN THE HARDEST PART SO FAR? WHAT’S BEEN THE BEST?

The hardest part of this would probably be 1) We have to travel with all of our products. 2) Currently, we are living in a packed baseball house for the season and we are using an ironing board as a desk where we pack our orders (baseball life, iykyk) 3) The legal stuff that is behind the scenes of owning a business.

The best so far is knowing this is all mine and I am in full control of everything. It's so rewarding seeing people receive and love their orders from us.

WHAT ARE YOU CURRENTLY WORKING ON AND WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOUR BUSINESS?

Currently, I am working on getting more small businesses highlighted in our Locals Only section. So, if you own a small business that you would want in our shop, hit a girl up!

WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR OTHER WAGS WHO HOPE TO START A SERVICE-BASED BUSINESS?

JUST DO IT, YOU WILL NOT REGRET IT.